o Wordiness occurs when a writer uses words or
phrases that seem to modify a noun but do
not actually add to the meaning of the
sentence.
o Although such words and phrases can be
meaningful in the appropriate context, they
are often used as "filler" and can easily be
eliminated.
o Delete empty words and phrases
Example: The following is an example of unnecessary words or
phrases that can be deleted from sentences:
generally, apparently, really, I believe I feel, virtually, needless to say,
obviously, etc.
o Substitute verbs with prepositions, with verbs not needing prepositions
Example: Use the word “discover” instead of “find out”
o Change phrases into single words
Example: The competitor who runs
fastest will receive a trophy.
Revised: The fastest competitor will
receive a trophy.
Examples:
appear to be
dash quickly
appear
dash
completely finished
at this point in time
had an effect upon
the purpose of
until such a time
finished
now
influenced
for
until
o Eliminate unnecessary modifiers
Example: He cannot manage that without some kind of additional
help.
Revised: He cannot manage that without additional help.
o Change unnecessary relative clauses (starting with that, who, which) into
phrases
Example: The news, which was released yesterday, was devastating.
Revised: The news released yesterday was devastating.
o Use active rather than passive verbs
Example: The report was submitted by the auditor last week.
Revised: The auditor submitted the report last week.
o Omit repetitive wording, or words that provide excessive detail
Example: Imagine a mental picture of someone engaged in the
intellectual activity of learning the rules of playing chess.
Revised: Imagine someone trying to learn the rules of chess.
o Reword unnecessary infinitive phrases
Example: The duty of the receptionist is to answer all incoming calls.
Revised: The receptionist answers all incoming calls.
o Avoid the use of expletives (e.g. it is, there are) at the beginning of
sentences
Example: It is the teacher who sets the rules.
Revised: The teacher sets the rules.
For an article on writing concisely, see
http://www.liberty.edu/media/2030/On_Writin
g_Concisely.pdf